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From Ancient Scrolls to Microsoft, UK Grad Finds Success

In July, Nick Graczyk will head off to Redmond, Washington, the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest,” and also home to Microsoft, where he will claim the title of software engineer. Graczyk’s most recent titles include “ancient scroll software extraordinaire” and University of Kentucky graduate.

Walking across the stage at Rupp Arena as recently as May 9, Graczyk earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science. Two days later, he flew to Paris, France, with the UK College of Engineering team he has been working with all semester.

Led by Brent Seales, professor and chair of the College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science, the team, including several other students, is working to digitally unroll ancient scrolls using CT scans and a first-of-its-kind software tool built by the team. Currently, they are focused on a Herculaneum scroll, carbonized by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy.